History

Georg Fischer is proud of it's long history of success with roots going back more than 200 years when Johann Conrad Fischer laid the foundation. What began 1802 with a small copper smelting plant and development works for new alloys, has since developed to the global industrial concern as we know it today. Towards the end of 19th century, the company first began with producing the long-standing malleable cast iron fittings, thereby creating the basis of today's division GF Piping Systems. This day, it has become established on the market as a leading supplier of piping systems for the safe and reliable transport of liquids and gases. Despite the constant change, innovational strength and customer orientation remain the defining values for GF Piping Systems up to today.

We invite you to take a journey through time. Discover the most important milestones in our corporate history.

2016 until today

2016

Joost Geginat becomes head of GF Piping Systems
The GF Board appoints Joost Geginat as new Head of GF Piping Systems. After a transition period starting in May as member of the GF Executive Committee he heads GF Piping Systems effective of August 2016.

GF Piping Systems acquires leading piping company in Indonesia
GF Piping Systems announces the acquisition of PT Eurapipe Solutions Indonesia. It offers a unique platform for further growth in this important country. The company, located in Karawang, 80 kilometers east of Jakarta, holds a leading position in the mining business and other water related market segments.

GF Piping Systems to acquire two companies in China
The Chinaust Group, a 50/50 joint venture between GF Piping Systems and Lingyun Industrial Co., announces the acquisition of two Chinese companies: Shuchang Auto Part Co. Ltd and Lingyun Jingran Gas Valve Co. Ltd. Both have been trusted suppliers of the Chinaust Group for years. Their products are completing the supply chain of Chinaust in an ideal manner and strengthen its competitiveness.

2011 - 2015

2015

Record machine from KraussMaffei At its location in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, GF Piping Systems
brings a MXH 3200 – 101.000/101.000 from KraussMaffei into service.
This injection molding machine, the largest ever to be installed in
Switzerland in terms of clamping force and shot weight, manufactures
large-volume pipe fittings with a diameter of up to 500 mm.

Major order for largest cruise ships GF Piping Systems has receives a substantial order totaling more
than EUR 15 million from the leading shipbuilding company STX
France.

Packs a punch GF Piping Systems adds the new diaphragm valve type 604/605 with
integrated pneumatic actuator to its extensive product range. This
long runner combines compact design with best flow performance for an
economic price-performance ratio.

2014

Compact Pressure Regulating Valve in full plastic housing
GF Piping Systems adds a new full plastic Pressure Regulating Valve to its wide range of products. Its compact design ensures that the valve suits even in confined spaces. Due to consistent temperature expansion coefficients this state-of-the-art valve has a good long-term behavior, guaranteeing lasting stability without tightening or adjusting.

GF wins 2014 Supply Chain Management Award
At the specialized international Supply Chain Convention in Frankfurt am Main (Germany), GF Piping Systems, wins the 2014 Supply Chain Management Award for its outstanding end-to-end supply chain solution. The jury singles out the innovative services that have been developed for customers on the basis of the division's supply chain management.

First GF Water Technology Summit
The first GF Water Technology Summit takes place with 50 participating experts from around a dozen countries, such as USA, Netherlands, Israel, France and Germany. The summit focused on desalination, nanotechnologies and mobile water treatment. The summit provides an excellent platform for interdisciplinary exchange on water treatment and conveyance technologies.

2013

Acquisition of Hakan Plastik AS, market leader in plastic
piping systems in Turkey GF Piping Systems acquired
a majority stake in Hakan Plastik in Cerkezköy (Istanbul, Turkey),
with an option to acquire the outstanding shares. Hakan Plastik is
the leading provider of plastic piping systems in the building
technology and water infrastructure markets in Turkey, the Middle
East and Eastern Europe. Together, GF Piping Systems and Hakan
Plastik provide a unique platform for further growth in the whole region.

Innovations for big dimensionsBased on the modular system GF Piping Systems established
a product range for large PE pipe installations up to 2000
for gas, water and industrial applications with superior
modularity and flexibility. Functional design and component
compatibility render on-site installations easy, fast and safe.

Repositioning of the brand GFGeorg Fischer positions itself with a new corporate identity
as a unified, customer-focused company. The divisions will appear
under a single monolithic brand GF.

2012

Acquisition of IPP, market leader for PE piping systems in the
USA Georg Fischer’s acquisition of Independent Pipe
Products Inc. (IPP) in Dallas, Texas (USA) enhances GF Piping
Systems’ position in the water infrastructure market in the USA. IPP
is the leading US manufacturer of polyethylene pipes and fittings in
large dimensions.

Innovation Award for 561/562 check
valvesIn the course of the ACHEMA 2012 trade fair in
Frankfurt am Main, awards are presented for the most innovative
products, equipment and processes in the chemical, pharmaceutical
and process technology industries. A panel of experts gives the
award in the category “Valves/Seals/Pipes/Fittings” to GF Piping
Systems for its new generation of check valves.

Clean Water partnership with CaritasThe Georg Fischer Corporation and Caritas Switzerland agree to
cooperate in drinking water projects. To mark its 10-year
anniversary, the Georg Fischer Clean Water Foundation donates a
sum in the amount of CHF 1 million. With these funds, Caritas can
provide at least 35,000 people worldwide with sustainably improved
access to clean drinking water until 2015.

2011

Acquisition of Harvel Plastics, US market leader in industrial
PVC piping systems Georg Fischer acquires Harvel
Plastics, the US market leader for industrial piping systems, and
actively takes another step toward implementing its strategy to
expand GF Piping Systems globally. The company is the leading
supplier of polyvinyl (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl (C-PVC) pipes
for industrial applications, particularly in water treatment.

New production plant in Haining,
China GF Piping Systems already has a strong presence
in China with ten production sites as well as R&D
facilities. In October 2011, Chinaust, a 50/50 joint venture of
GF Piping Systems and Lingyun Industrial Corp., opens a new
production plant in Haining near Shanghai. The plant occupies an
area of 19,000 m2, where it produces polyethylene pipes for gas
and water distribution as well as waste water pipes up to 3.5 m
in diameter.

New logistics warehouse in Schaffhausen
Georg Fischer invests up to CHF 5.2 million to build a
new logistics warehouse at its Schaffhausen site. After only eight
months of construction, GF Piping Systems dedicates the
state-of-the-art warehouse in September 2011. On a total area of
over 11,500 m2 and with approx. 15,000 pallet spaces, the warehouse
offers storage capacity for over 3,500 different products. Ten
additional jobs are created.

2006 - 2010

2010

New generation of diaphragm valvesGeorg Fischer has
launched their new generation of diaphragm valves. Thanks to an
optimized, turbulence-free flow contour 100 % more flow can be
achieved on average. Furthermore, the central, corrosion-resistant
plastic thread and rounded contours with soft transitions reduce
abrasion and noise transmission.

GF Piping Systems divests non-strategic
business in China GF Piping Systems sells Central
Plastics Tianjin Ltd. The company, which generates revenue of
around USD 4 million, is taken over by the current management.

International award for environmentally
friendly algae bioreactors in special pipesThe Gold SolVin Award 2010 goes to GF Piping Systems. The
Group, which belongs to Georg Fischer Corporation, receives this
international innovation award for a newly developed piping system
made of translucent plastic. When used as a bioreactor to grow
algae, biomass and biofuels can be harvested. An added benefit
is that these organisms bind harmful CO2.

President of the Swiss Confederation
inaugurates new plant in China Production
goes on stream at GF Piping Systems’ tenth production site in
China, further strengthening Georg Fischer’s position in the
Chinese market. Using modern manufacturing technology, GF Piping
Systems produces complete plastic piping systems. Tailor-made
Swiss quality and local training for customers are a unique
offering for the Chinese market. The new production facility in
Beijing is officially inaugurated in the presence of the President
of the Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard.

2009

New production plant in India On November 4, 2009 GF
Piping Systems opens a new plant in Ratnagiri (India). The
industrial corporation invests several million Swiss francs in
building this completely new factory in the port town, which is
located 300 km south of Mumbai. The plant, situated on a 50,000
m2 site, manufactures products destined mainly for the
expansion of India’s gas network.

Acquisition of JRG GunzenhauserGeorg Fischer AG acquires all the capital shares of JRG Gunzenhauser AG in Sissach (Switzerland). JRG is a leading provider of domestic and heating water supply systems in Europe and has an excellent market position and well organized distribution channels primarily in Switzerland, southern Germany and Austria. The acquisition of JRG is an important strategic step for GF Piping Systems and substantially strengthens its position in the building services market.

Georg Fischer strengthens its position in Canada with acquisition of Alfa Plastics Inc.Georg Fischer AG acquires the business activities of Alfa Plastics Inc. in Brampton (Toronto), Ontario. The company specializes in selling plastic pipes, valves and fittings for water treatment, chemical processes and other industrial applications. Alfa Plastics has been working together with GF Piping Systems for over 20 years and is an important distribution partner in Canada. The company is renamed Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd. and is responsible for managing GF Piping Systems’ activities in Canada.

Investment in distribution center and production plant in Schaffhausen
GF Piping Systems invests a total of CHF 21 million in its Schaffhausen location in order to expand distribution and production. The investments are made to satisfy the surge in demand, to eliminate delivery bottlenecks and to substantially improve operating processes.

Acquisition of Central Plastics, market leader in the USAGeorg Fischer acquires Central Plastics in Shawnee, Oklahoma (USA). The company is the leading supplier of piping systems for gas and water utilities in the North American market. The acquisition of Central Plastics allows GF Piping Systems to solidify its leading position in utilities piping systems worldwide and to double its overall turnover in America.

2007

Georg Fischer proudly looks back on 50 years of plastics
know-howIn 1957 Georg Fischer commenced series production
of plastic fittings – a milestone in the company’s history. To mark
this occasion, GF Piping Systems issues a 224-page anniversary edition
entitled “50 Years of Know-how in Plastics”.

2005

New Training Center opens its doors To increase
efficiency in staff and customer training, GF Piping Systems invests
roughly CHF 2 million in the new Training Center at its headquarters
in Schaffhausen. Customers, employees and visitors can learn more –
under the guidance of specialists - about products and systems and
also receive hands-on training.

2004

Strong brand The corporation revises its branding
policy and introduces a new attractive corporate design. Emphasis is
placed on strengthening the GF trademark. In view of this new
policy, the Piping Systems Group receives the name GF Piping Systems.

2003

A future-oriented restructuring program is implemented Georg Fischer launches a comprehensive restructuring program to
increase profitability and reduce net debt. The three core businesses
are streamlined. Production locations in Europe are reduced and
activities and participations that do not belong to the core business
are sold. In the course of this restructuring program, GF Piping
Systems sells the foundry in Bedford (England) and closes the plastics
works in Genoa (Italy) and Huntingdon (England). PVC production is
transferred to Schaffhausen (Switzerland).

2002

Joint venture in clean room production GF Piping
Systems announces a new production joint venture with Simona AG in
Kirn (Germany) for the manufacture of fluoroplastic pipes and
fittings. The high-purity piping components are produced under clean
room conditions and comply with the highest quality standards.

2001

Focus on market segments The demand for multi-layer
composite systems for drinking water and heating installations is
rising rapidly throughout Europe. The acquisition of Pipe Fittings
Company Italia (Pfci) represents a major step for Georg Fischer
toward strengthening its market position in this segment. With the
objective of concentrating even more effectively on specific market
segments in future, the two companies Kubota Corp., Osaka (Japan)
and Georg Fischer AG, Schaffhausen (Switzerland) agree to an an
increase in Georg Fischer’s share in the joint venture from 50% to
81%. The company name Kubota George Fischer is changed to Georg Fischer.

2000

Successful joint venture Georg Fischer purchases
Industrial Pipe Systems Company (IPS) with headquarters in Sydney
(Australia). The company supplies the gas and water sector in
Australia and China. With this purchase, Georg Fischer also takes
over the 50% share of IPS in Chinaust, an equal joint venture with
the Chinese Lingyun Group formed in 1987.

1900 - 1999

1999

Further consolidation and expansion to China The new Pudong (China) subsidiary, in which Georg Fischer
invested over CHF 18 million, manufactures and markets plastic piping
systems for building services, industrial applications and gas and
water utilities. In taking over Omicron (Italy), Georg Fischer
strengthens its position as market leader in pipe jointing technology
in Europe and establishes new business opportunities in Asia and South
America. In the same year, Georg Fischer acquires Tecno Plastic S.p.A.
(Italy) in order to build on the success of the TP brand within GF
Piping Systems and enter new markets.

1998

Growth The takeover of DEKA, German manufacturer of plastic pipes,
strengthens the industrial business of GF Piping Systems. With a
controlling interest in the Alprene Group in Bologna (Italy), Georg
Fischer expands its range of fittings with innovative plastic
compression fittings for distribution systems. In Subingen
(Switzerland), Georg Fischer Wavin AG is founded. The company
manufactures fittings for gas and water utilities.

1996

First production site in North America By acquiring R&G Sloane Manufacturing Company in Little Rock
(USA) and establishing George Fischer Sloane Inc., Georg Fischer now
has, for the first time, its own production site for plastic fittings
and pipes in North America.

1995

Corporate environmental management system A corporate-wide environmental management system is set up. The
malleable iron fittings production and warehouse are moved from Singen
to Traisen (Austria).

1987 - 1991

Restructuring project
Under the auspices of the Schaffhausen-Singen restructuring project, foundry operations are centralized in Singen (Germany), while plastic piping systems are concentrated in Schaffhausen (Switzerland). Company-owned properties are also systematically refurbished, assigned new uses or sold. In Schaffhausen, a distribution center, plastics plant and a modern test lab are built for GF Piping Systems.

1987

Measurement and control Georg Fischer acquires Signet Scientific in El Monte, California
(USA). This company specializes in flow measurement and control and is
a leading innovator in the field. Signet developed the first plastic
paddlewheel sensor in 1969, thus setting an industrial benchmark.

1976

George Fischer Inc., Tustin, is founded Georg Fischer Inc. is established in Tustin, California (USA) as
the sales company for the entire piping systems range, catering to the
North, Central and South American markets.

1971

Production is launched in Seewis The Plastic Valves Plant opens in Seewis (Switzerland).

1967

Minority stake in T.I.L. Genoa T.I.L. Genoa manufactures PVC products and is bought up entirely
five years later in 1972.

1966

Production begins in Huntingdon In 1966 another production plant opens, George Fischer Plastics
Ltd. in Huntingdon (England).

1963

Tangit is developed Georg Fischer develops the PVC adhesive, Tangit, which has been
produced by Henkel since 1964.

1957

Plastics production begins After four years of research, the first production facility for
PVC and PE fittings is dedicated in Singen (Germany).

1933

1903

Trademark registered The new GF trademark with its characteristic crosses representing
stylized fittings is officially registered.

1800 - 1899

1895

Plant opens in Singen Georg Fischer III (1864 – 1925) opens a fittings factory in
the German town of Singen in 1895. The factory is operated as a branch
of the main works in nearby Schaffhausen. At the same time, the first
company-owned housing estate is built in Singen.

1865

Early marketing The first fittings catalog, containing 91 different models for
gas lighting, is published.

1864

Production launch of malleable cast iron fittings Georg Fischer II (1834 - 1887), son of Georg Fischer I and
grandson of Johann Conrad Fischer, acquires the Schaffhausen works. In
1864, he is the first in Europe to manufacture malleable cast iron
fittings (cast pipe connectors) commercially.

1802

Laying the foundations in Schaffhausen On June 3, 1802, 29-year-old Johann Conrad Fischer (1773 - 1854)
purchases a water-driven mill in Mühlental just outside of
Schaffhausen (Switzerland). He uses the mill as a copper smelting
plant and as a site to develop new alloys.